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Batik with paper and ink!
Batik is usually done by placing hot wax on cloth and dying the cloth. Wherever the wax is placed, the dye does not take to the cloth. Creating a rough & ready effect that looks stunning. Needless to say, it’s a bit more complicated than that. So, we wanted to share a simpler technique through which, you can get the same effect. But, on paper instead. It’s a lot fun for kids to do too (my kid cousin was helping me make these & we had a blast!).
Now, it’s one thing to try a technique and another to make it useful. Which is why, we made a place mat set for the table with the method. This increased the amount of time we spent on the craft. But, the end result is worth it. Right?
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The Craftables published their project DIY Batik Table Mats
09 Aug 06:00
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Step 1- Draw out the design on the A3 size sheets. An easy way, is to create a stencil and trace it onto the mats. This would allow you to create the exact same design on all of the pieces. Try to keep the design as simple and large as possible, to get the maximum possible effect.
- Paint a double coat of paint in the drawing and let it dry completely.
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Step 2Using a sponge, smear ONE layer of black ink on top of the sheet, without overlapping brushstrokes. You can put it only on the design, or on the entire sheet.
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Step 3Let it dry for about 30 minutes. And then using a damp cloth, wipe the black ink away. Don’t press it too hard, or the paper will tear and the ink will wipe off completely.
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Step 4Let the sheet dry. Paint the gaps with black paint.
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Step 5Cut thick colored sheets of paper to stick to the back of the mats. This will make them sturdier in the long run. And give finish to the mats.
We repeated the steps a couple of times to make a complete set of table mats, with a more elaborate version of the same design for the centrepieces.
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Step 6Optional: Cover the sheets in plastic to maintain them for a longer time period. But, this isn’t usually done for black paper. Since, the lamination leaves air pockets that look very bad.
